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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 127 reviews

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights coated in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. These classic cookies combine rich butter, finely chopped pecans, and a hint of vanilla, baked to golden perfection and dusted generously with confectioner’s sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup pecans (or walnuts), finely chopped

For Dusting

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add Flavor and Flour: Incorporate the salt and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until just combined. Then fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand to preserve their texture.
  4. Shape Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
  5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
  6. Initial Dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat.
  7. Cool Completely: Transfer the sugared cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a thick, snowy coating.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are ready to serve. Enjoy their buttery, nutty flavor with a delicate sugared finish!

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans and add an extra ¼ cup of flour.
  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Use finely chopped nuts to ensure even distribution in the dough.
  • Double dusting with powdered sugar creates the signature snowball look and extra sweetness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Freezing the dough before baking can help maintain cookie shape and enhance texture.

Keywords: snowball cookies, pecan cookies, buttery cookies, powdered sugar cookies, holiday cookies, classic cookies

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/buttery-pecan-snowball-cookies-recipe/